Streaming TV can’t be ignored anymore. Slowly but surely cable and satellite TV subscriptions are being replaced by streaming-only. As there is so much choice between TV shows, it is becoming more and more stressful to find a service that suits your needs. In this article, we have compiled a list of nine popular streaming services currently being offered in the USA.
With this service, you can buy or rent popular blockbuster movies and TV shows with the click of a mouse. The platform is ad-free. A subscription is required and will give you access to third party material as well. Different price plans exist depending on the desired subscription length. If you want to watch live TV, you’ll have to purchase an Amazon Fire TV stick.
This streaming service is founded by DirecTV, the largest satellite TV provider in the USA. The service offers live stream access to a variety of television channels, usually in HD. Additional fees apply to user wanting to stream premium content. Subscribers will gain access to over one hundred live TV channels and more than 15000 on-demand programs. The DirecTV Now streaming has one big disadvantage: the price. DirecTV Now offers an app that allows users to watch content on any device of their choice.
For people interested in TV shows and programming created by CBS, this service is the way to go. You will get live streaming access to your local CBS station, all episodes of past and current TV shows. Some exclusive, original programming might also be available. The subscription plan of CBS belongs to cheapest on the streaming TV market. If you are a star trek fan, you will certainly be pleased with CBS All Access as they offer unrestricted access to all episodes.
HBO Now is a streaming service that offers subscribers access to a huge library of HBO related programming including live events. There is no live streaming access to the television channels themselves. Live premieres can also be watched if you are a subscriber. One of the most popular programs on HBO Now is Game of Thrones.
Sling TV offers “traditional” TV channels to be streamed 100% live online. You can choose your own custom package depending on your needs. Sling TV has a great, user friendly app that allows you to stream live channels on any device you like. Sling TV is owned by Dish Network communications, the second largest satellite TV provider in the United States.
PlayStation Vue offers live streaming TV channels without the need of expensive hardware. Although it’s one of the most expensive live TV services, people love this service because there are no annual contracts or hidden fees. PlayStation Vue offers premium channels, a cloud DVR service and much more. Channels come available in many categories such as news, sports, local, movies etc. PlayStation Vue is owned by Sony Entertainment and only accessible in the USA.
Hulu is a popular, yet affordable streaming service that offers live TV and on-demand streaming. Content may be streamed with or without commercials (depending on the subscription plan). Among the on-demand titles you will find blockbuster movies and premium TV episodes. Access to a cloud DVR is included with each subscription. The Hulu library compromises thousands of interesting titles you can choose from and is accessible to all paying users.
Who hasn’t heard of Netflix? Although they don’t offer live streaming YET, they might do this in the future. Netflix makes its own shows and movies which are popular around the world. All content streamed on Netflix is in HD. It is possible to download individual episodes to any device the viewer wants. Netflix is very affordable which we believe is the main reason why this service is so popular around the world.
Author, Freelance writer